800-plus players from 500 schools to compete in Maharashtra state school chess meet from Wednesday

More than 800 young chess players from Maharashtra are ready to make their moves on the board. The SBI Life Maharashtra State School Chess Championship begins on Wednesday. The tournament has drawn a record response this time.

The tournament is organised by the Indian Chess School and hosted by Rustomjee Cambridge International School, Dahisar. Players from more than 500 schools in the state are taking part. The competition will be held in two phases, from November 4 to 6 and then from November 13 to 15.

Players have been divided into under-7, under-9, under-11, under-13, under-15 and under-17 age categories. Each category will have separate sections for boys and girls, making 12 sections in all. More than 400 players with FIDE ratings will compete. Some of them have won medals in national and international tournaments, so every game is expected to be closely contested and a true test of skill.

The tournament will be played in the Swiss league format over seven rounds. Each player gets 60 minutes, with 30 seconds added after every move. The top two players in each section will get the chance to represent Maharashtra at the national school championship in Ahmedabad in December.

Prizes for the winners include cash awards of Rs 1,20,000, 36 trophies and 120 medals. The tournament is recognised by the All India Chess Federation, the Maharashtra Chess Association and the Mumbai Suburban District Chess Association. All 12 sections are FIDE-rated, and the players' performances will be recorded for international ratings. International Arbiter P. B. Bhilare, who holds FIDE's prestigious B category status, will serve as chief arbiter.

A major attraction will be live broadcast of the games through DGT electronic chess boards, along with commentary and analysis by well-known experts. This is the seventh sponsorship by SBI Life of the Indian Chess School's tournaments.